When Tunnel Vision paralyses you.

Do you also get tunnel vision when you are having challenging times?

​One of the definitions of tunnel vision is “single minded concentration on one objective”.
 
In itself, this sounds like a positive, constructive approach.
 
However, when the objective is energy-draining, stressful and filled with negativity, such focus tends to result in losing context of the bigger picture. To me, it feels like my whole existence is consumed by the stressful and challenging experience and it tends to explode to a size that, realistically speaking, is waaay out of proportion. I forget to count my blessings and be grateful for all the wonderful people that I have in my life. Continuing on this path only leads to victim mentality and feeling sorry for myself.
 
What is helpful to me is that I know now that emotions are the results of thoughts. Changing how I think is key to changing how I feel. It sounds simple but it requires determination, persistence and works well if I can find something else to focus on. I also understand that sometimes getting out of that tunnel isn’t just a quick leap, it’s clawing my way out slowly emerging and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
 
I learnt this during my coaching training and through helping clients work through challenging times, with the view to improving how they respond to new challenges when they crop up.
 
We can’t be without challenges, they move us out of our comfort zone and teach us valuable life lessons.
 
What we can do is learn to face them as a victOR and not as a victIM.